2026 Ballon d'Or co-hosts, Thierry Henry and Kate Scott. Credit: Ballon d'Or.
French football legend Thierry Henry and popular British journalist Kate Scott have been announced as the hosts for the 2026 Ballon d’Or ceremony.
France Football and UEFA disclosed this in a website publication on Monday.
This year’s ceremony marks the 70th anniversary of the award, which is scheduled to hold on October 26, at the London Palladium in England.
Henry is a 1998 World Cup winner, 2003 Ballon d’Or runner-up and a 2009 Champions League winner.
He co-hosts the Champions League evening shows on CBS Sports in the United States, alongside Scott, and ex-England internationals, Micah Richards and Jamie Carragher, among others.
The publication partly read, “Thierry Henry, 2003 Ballon d’Or runner-up, and British journalist Kate Scott will host the ceremony for the 70th edition of the Ballon d’Or on Monday, October 26, at the London Palladium.”
It stated further, “Who will win the 2026 Ballon d’Or? The suspense remains intact. But this Monday, exactly one week before the winners are revealed, France Football and UEFA announce the hosts of the 70th Ballon d’Or. On October 26, Thierry Henry and Kate Scott will welcome the elite of world football to the London Palladium.
“Thierry Henry earned nine Ballon d’Or nominations and finished second in 2003. A legend of French and world football, and a 1998 World Cup and 2009 Champions League winner, he will present the gala alongside Kate Scott, an internationally renowned journalist. The Briton also hosts the Champions League evenings on CBS Sports in the US, where the two are regular co-presenters.”
According to the publication, the new venue was picked to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the crowning of Sir Stanley Matthews, the first winner of the trophy in 1956.
“This marks a truly historic turning point, as the event had been held at the Théâtre du Châtelet, in the heart of Paris, since 2019,” it added.
In his remarks, Henry stated his love for the city’s football culture, having played for North London side Arsenal in his prime.
He said, “I am honoured to be hosting this year’s Ballon d’Or. London is the city I call home, and I have a deep connection to its football culture and the passionate fans here. So, to be hosting here alongside my friend and colleague, Kate, feels like a natural fit.
“It promises to be a brilliant evening celebrating the very best of the game.”
Scott noted that the Ballon d’Or is an “iconic night on the football calendar and the pinnacle of individual achievement in the game.”
She expressed delight to be hosting the football award ceremony again;having hosted it in 2014 and 2015, and then as a co-host in 2025, alongside Dutch football legend, Ruud Gullit.
See the full list of this year’s Ballon d’Or nominees here.